What is known, and what is not
Official New Year's Eve plans for 2026-27 had not been published when this page was last checked. This page will be updated as emirates announce them. Until then, the useful thing is how the last one went, because each emirate tends to repeat its format.
Last year's pattern (31 December 2025)
Dubai: Burj Khalifa was the centrepiece, with fireworks at more than 40 locations and phased road closures around the Burj Khalifa district. Ras Al Khaimah: a 15-minute show stretching about six kilometres from Al Marjan Island to Al Hamra, with more than 2,300 drones synchronised to the fireworks, billed as a world-record attempt. Abu Dhabi: fireworks, lasers and a drone show with over 6,000 drones at Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, with children's activities and music earlier in the evening.
How to plan it
Pick one place and commit. Moving between emirates around midnight is how people miss both. Book a table or a hotel with a view well ahead, because prices for the night are set months in advance. If you want fireworks without the crowd, a hotel terrace or a desert camp outside the city sees the sky without the traffic.
Public transport and road closures change each year. Check the RTA, Abu Dhabi Mobility and each emirate's announcements in the week before.
Details
- 2026-27 programmes
- Not yet announced when checked
- Dubai pattern
- Burj Khalifa show; fireworks at 40+ sites
- RAK pattern
- Marjan Island to Al Hamra show with 2,300+ drones (last year)
- Abu Dhabi pattern
- Sheikh Zayed Festival fireworks and drones
FAQ
Where are the best New Year's Eve fireworks in the UAE?+
Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the most famous. Ras Al Khaimah staged a record-attempt show last year, and Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba hosts fireworks and a large drone display in Abu Dhabi. Check each emirate's announcements for 2026-27 details.
Are the 2026-27 New Year's Eve plans announced?+
Not when this page was last checked. It will be updated as official programmes are released.
